Abstract

Refugees and other forcibly displaced persons (herein collectively referred to as forced migrants) constitute a very vulnerable group in society in need of special protection. One of the important rights that forced migrants have is the right of return in safety and dignity to their countries and homes of origin. This right, however, is not simply restricted to returning to their original homes in an atmosphere devoid of actual, or the threat of, violence and other forms of harm, but it also extends to the restoration of property rights or interests to their previous position (status-quo ante) : the legal principle of restituo in integrum.